More women than ever are being spared the inconvenience of having to repeat their cervical screening test, according to statistics on the Cervical Screening Programme published by The Information Centre for health and social care today (29 October 2007).

And more are getting the results of their test back quickly and have faster access to any follow-up they need.

The percentage of inadequate samples for women aged 25-64 fell for the second year running – from 7.2 per cent in 2005/06 to the lowest figure ever recorded, 4.7 per cent in 2006/07.

Inadequate results are those where the test has to be repeated as the first cannot be read due to blood or other material being present in the sample.

However, analysis of data from the NHS Cervical Screening Programme reveals that the introduction of liquid-based cytology (LBC) to replace conventional pap smear tests is significantly reducing the number of inadequate tests.

As well as the need for fewer repeat tests, results of tests were available sooner. Some 48 per cent were available within four weeks and 74 per cent within six weeks, compared to 32 per cent and 56 per cent respectively in 2005/06.

Access to colposcopy was also faster. The number of those being seen within two weeks increased to 17 per cent from 15 per cent the previous year. The number of those being seen within four weeks increased to 49 per cent from 43 per cent the previous year. Of those with severe or invasive carcinoma, 84 per cent were referred within two weeks (75 per cent the previous year). For glandular neoplasia, 63 per cent were referred within two weeks compared to 61 per cent the previous year.

The full report Cervical Screening Programme, England 2006-07 is at ‘www.ic.nhs.uk/pubs/cervscreen0607’.

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